DoD's $193M contract for engineering and technical services awarded to EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. PBC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,957,012 ($18.0M)

Contractor: EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. PBC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2004-09-17

End Date: 2010-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,296 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 200412!004055!2100!W91ZLK!ACA, ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND !W91ZLK04D0015 !A!N! !N!0002 ! !20040917!20090917!193444080!193444080!069381812!N!EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND T!15 LOVETON CIRCLE !SPARKS !MD!21152!00175!025!24!ABERDEEN PROV GRND !HARFORD !MARYLAND !+000002371500!N!N!000000000000!R425!ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541330!E! !5!B!M! !A! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!J!2!003!A! !C!N!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !A! !A!A!00 !A!B!N! ! ! !Y! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21005

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.0 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC. PBC for work described as: 200412!004055!2100!W91ZLK!ACA, ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND !W91ZLK04D0015 !A!N! !N!0002 ! !20040917!20090917!193444080!193444080!069381812!N!EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND T!15 LOVETON CIRCLE !SPARKS !MD!21152!00175!025!24!ABERDEEN PROV GRND !HARF… Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of over 7 years indicates a long-term need for these services. 3. The fixed-price contract type may offer cost certainty for the government. 4. The services provided fall under engineering and technical support, a critical area for defense operations. 5. The contractor, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. PBC, is a significant player in this sector. 6. The contract was awarded as a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $193,444,080 over approximately 7 years suggests a substantial investment in engineering and technical services. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale defense contracts for technical support indicates a potentially competitive price, especially given the duration and scope. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost predictability for the Department of Defense. Further analysis would require comparing the specific services rendered to the price paid, but the overall value appears reasonable for a long-term, comprehensive support agreement.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 3 bidders indicates a moderate level of competition for this significant contract. While not an extremely high number of bidders, it suggests that multiple firms were interested and capable of performing the required services, which generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation among bidders.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from specialized engineering and technical expertise, crucial for maintaining operational readiness and technological advancement. Services delivered likely include a range of technical support, environmental remediation, and engineering consulting, supporting various defense installations. The geographic impact is primarily centered around Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, a key military research and development facility. The contract supports a workforce skilled in engineering, science, and technology, contributing to the specialized labor market in the defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if fixed-price contract scope is not meticulously managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for a long duration could lead to complacency or reduced responsiveness over time.
The specific technical requirements may evolve, posing a risk if the contract is not flexible enough to adapt.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
Fixed-price contract type provides budget certainty for the government.
Long contract duration suggests a stable, ongoing need for critical services.
Contractor has a significant presence and likely expertise in the required service areas.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering and Technical Services sector, a vital component of the broader defense industry. This sector supports military operations through specialized expertise in areas like research, development, testing, evaluation, and maintenance. The market for such services is substantial, driven by continuous government investment in defense capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale technical support contracts awarded by the Department of Defense and other federal agencies for similar services.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data does not indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this particular award. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors, which would be detailed in subcontracting plans not provided in this data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Department of the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Engineering Services
Environmental Remediation Services
Technical Support Contracts
Aberdeen Proving Ground Operations
Department of the Army Contracts

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may pose risks if scope or requirements change significantly.
Fixed-price contract requires careful oversight to ensure quality and prevent corner-cutting.
Moderate competition level (3 bidders) could potentially yield better pricing with more bidders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.0 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC. PBC. 200412!004055!2100!W91ZLK!ACA, ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND !W91ZLK04D0015 !A!N! !N!0002 ! !20040917!20090917!193444080!193444080!069381812!N!EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND T!15 LOVETON CIRCLE !SPARKS !MD!21152!00175!025!24!ABERDEEN PROV GRND !HARFORD !MARYLAND !+000002371500!N!N!000000000000!R425!ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541330!E! !5!B!M! !A! !999

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC. PBC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-09-17. End: 2010-12-31.

What is the track record of EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. PBC with the Department of Defense?

EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. PBC has a history of performing contracts for the Department of Defense, including various environmental, engineering, and technical services. Their past performance with the DoD would be a key factor in their selection for this significant award. Analyzing their prior contract history, including any performance reviews, past issues, or successful project completions, would provide further insight into their reliability and capability. This specific contract, valued at over $193 million and spanning more than seven years, suggests a strong existing relationship or a proven ability to handle large-scale, complex defense projects.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar engineering and technical support contracts within the DoD?

The $193.4 million award for engineering and technical services over approximately 7.5 years is a substantial contract. To benchmark its value, one would compare it to other large-scale IDIQ or fixed-price contracts awarded by the Department of Defense or other federal agencies for similar services, such as environmental consulting, base operations support, or specialized engineering. Factors like the specific scope of work, geographic location, duration, and the number of bidders influence price. Given the full and open competition and the presence of three bidders, the price appears to be within a competitive range for a contract of this magnitude and duration, assuming the scope of services is comparable to market rates.

What are the primary risks associated with this fixed-price contract for the government?

The primary risk for the government in a fixed-price contract like this is the potential for the contractor to deliver substandard services or to cut corners to maintain profitability, especially if the initial price was set too low or if unforeseen complexities arise. While the fixed-price structure offers budget certainty, it can limit flexibility if the scope of work needs to change significantly. The government must have robust oversight mechanisms to ensure the contractor meets all performance requirements and quality standards. Another risk is contractor performance degradation over the long duration of the contract, necessitating careful monitoring and performance management.

How effective is the competition level (3 bidders) in ensuring optimal value for taxpayers?

A competition level of three bidders for a contract of this size and scope is generally considered moderate. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, three bidders still indicate a healthy level of market interest and capability. This number suggests that the government received multiple proposals, allowing for comparison and negotiation to achieve a reasonable price. However, it is less competitive than a scenario with five or more bidders, which might yield even greater cost savings. The effectiveness also depends on the quality and comparability of the bids received and the government's negotiation strategy.

What is the historical spending trend for similar engineering and technical services at Aberdeen Proving Ground?

Historical spending data for engineering and technical services at Aberdeen Proving Ground would provide context for this $193 million award. Analyzing past contracts awarded to various vendors for similar services at this installation would reveal spending patterns, average contract values, and typical durations. If spending has been consistently high for these types of services, it suggests a sustained need. If this award represents a significant increase or decrease compared to historical averages, it might warrant further investigation into the reasons behind the shift, such as changes in mission requirements, new technology adoption, or shifts in contracting strategies.

What are the implications of this contract being awarded as a delivery order under an IDIQ contract?

Awarding this contract as a delivery order under an IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) contract implies that a broader, overarching contract vehicle was previously established through competition. The IDIQ sets the terms and conditions, and this delivery order specifies the particular scope, quantity, and price for a defined period. This approach offers flexibility for the government to order services as needed over the IDIQ's lifespan. For taxpayers, it means that the initial competition for the IDIQ established a baseline for pricing and terms, and this delivery order represents a specific call against that established framework, likely benefiting from the initial competitive process.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC (UEI: 069381812)

Address: 15 LOVETON CIRCLE, SPARKS, MD, 21152

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W91ZLK04D0015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline